KIRKSVILLE, MO — The first half of 2026 has already been a busy stretch for severe weather across Illinois, Missouri and Iowa. The Tri-States have seen multiple tornado reports this month alone, including an EF-2 tornado in Putnam County, Missouri, that damaged several buildings. Another set of brief twisters was reported last week in Jefferson County, Iowa and at the meeting point of Iowa, Missouri and Illinois on June 17. For now, the region is in a quieter period, with strong storms not expected this week.
Recent Tornado Reports
The most significant storm mentioned in the report was the EF-2 tornado that struck Putnam County earlier in the month. EF-2 tornadoes are strong enough to cause considerable damage, and officials said several buildings were hit. The severe weather did not stop there. Last week, brief tornadoes were also confirmed in Jefferson County, Iowa, as well as near the point where Iowa, Missouri and Illinois meet. Those reports show how active the region has been as summer storm season gets underway.
Illinois Leads The Count
Among the three states, Illinois has recorded the most tornado warnings so far in 2026. The state has reached 281 warnings, putting it well ahead of its neighbors. That number reflects repeated rounds of severe weather across the state during the first six months of the year. Illinois has also faced the broader storm pattern affecting the Tri-States, where warnings have piled up during a season that has already produced damaging tornadoes and brief spin-ups.
Missouri And Iowa Totals
Missouri ranks second in the warning count with 221 so far this year. Iowa follows with 149 tornado warnings issued through the first half of 2026. While those totals are lower than Illinois, both states have still seen enough severe weather to keep emergency officials and residents alert. The recent tornado reports in Putnam County, Jefferson County and the tri-state area underscore that the storm season has already produced several notable events across all three states.
Quiet Week Ahead
Even with the active start to the year, forecasters say the Tri-States are entering a week without strong storms expected. That pause offers a temporary break after a stretch of damaging weather and repeated tornado warnings. The warning totals for Illinois, Missouri and Iowa show how quickly severe weather can add up over a few months, especially in a region that regularly sees spring and summer storms. For now, conditions appear calmer as the area moves through the middle of the season.
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